At least 1100 dead, Israeli PM Netanyahu declares 'war' after Hamas terrorists l

[Ptarmigan]

Hamas Planned Much More Extensive Attack On October 7 Than Previously Known: Report
https://www.dailywire.com/news/hamas-planned-much-more-extensive-attack-on-october-7-than-previously-known-report

Hamas terrorists reportedly aimed to kill as many civilians as possible during their October 7 attack on Israel because they wanted to spark an intense military response from Israel in the hopes that it would draw the entire region into a war against Israel.

More than a dozen top intelligence officials from several Western and Middle Eastern nations told The Washington Post that based on what Israeli investigators have found in the aftermath of the attack that it was clear that Hamas terrorists were ordered to murder as many civilians as possible and that they had planned to push further into Israel, into its larger cities, during the attacks.

The terrorists “carried enough food, ammunition and equipment to last several days” and carried with them “instructions to continue deeper into Israel.”

The report said that Hamas intended to inflict as much terror in the most heinous ways imaginable with the expectation that it would “spark a conflagration” from Israel that they hoped would then ignite the Islamic into action against Israel. The Palestinian terrorists also aimed to derail efforts to further secure peace deals between Israel and the Arab world.

Hamas’ top officials have openly stated that Palestinian civilians must die to advance their cause against Israel and that they are ready to launch “a second, a third, a fourth” attack on the level of October 7 against Israel until it is annihilated.

Hamas was planning to kill even more civilians and drag Israel into a full blown war.

[Ptarmigan]

IDF: We are “carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area of the Shifa Hospital”
https://legalinsurrection.com/2023/11/idf-we-are-carrying-out-a-precise-and-targeted-operation-against-hamas-in-a-specified-area-of-the-shifa-hospital/

The IDF just announced it is conducting a raid on Shifa Hospital (a Hamas command center):

IDF forces are carrying out a precise and targeted operation against Hamas in a specified area in the Shifa Hospital, based on intelligence information and an operational necessity.

The IDF is conducting a ground operation in Gaza to defeat Hamas and rescue our hostages. Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the civilians in Gaza.

The IDF forces include medical teams and Arabic speakers, who have undergone specified training to prepare for this complex and sensitive environment, with the intent that no harm is caused to the civilians being used by Hamas as human shields.

In recent weeks, the IDF has publicly warned time and again that Hamas’ continued military use of the Shifa hospital jeopardizes its protected status under international law, and enabled ample time to stop this unlawful abuse of the hospital. Yesterday, the IDF conveyed to the relevant authorities in Gaza once again that all military activities within the hospital must cease within 12 hours. Unfortunately, they did not.

IDF has gone into Shifa Hospital (a Hamas command center) in hopes to rescue hostages.

[Ptarmigan]

American multimillionaire couple fund Marxist group coordinating anti-Israel protests
https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/american-multimillionaire-couple-fund-marxist-group-coordinating-anti-israel-protests

A multimillionaire tech mogul and his wife are helping to bankroll groups behind pro-Palestinian protests that have occurred in the wake of the Oct. 7 terror attack by Hamas on Israel.

Neville Roy Singham, a U.S.-born entrepreneur who made millions after founding and selling an IT consulting firm called Thoughtworks, and his wife Jodie Evans, the co-founder of left-wing anti-war group Code Pink, have been the primary funders of a group called The People’s Forum since 2017, according to a report by The Free Press’s Francesca Block. The group bills itself as a "movement incubator for working class and marginalized communities" and "nurtures the next generation of visionaries and organizers who believe that through collective action a new world is possible."

The People’s Forum has played a role in organizing several pro-Palestine protests since Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7 in which the terror group’s members killed at least 1,200 Israelis and took over 200 hostages from Southern Israel into Gaza.

On the day of Hamas’ attack, the group appeared to offer no condemnation of the terror group’s actions and called for an end to "US aid to the Zionist occupation" and tweeted images of posters stating, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" — a slogan that has been criticized as being antisemitic and was cited in the House’s censure of Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich.

The People’s Forum is funding anti-Israel protests. It is a Marxist group. No surprise there.

One such protest occurred in New York City’s Times Square the day after the attack on Oct. 8. A social media profile belonging to The People’s Forum on X, formerly Twitter, encouraged New Yorkers to go "all out for Palestine!" It also urged supporters to "stand with the people of Palestine, who have the right to resist apartheid, occupation & oppression."

It also organized "Shut It Down for Palestine" protests on Nov. 4 to call for an end to U.S. support for Israel and Nov. 9. At the latter protest, activists entered the lobby of the NYC headquarters of asset management giant BlackRock, which The People’s Forum claimed "shut down" the company’s office.

The People’s Forum executive director Manolo De Los Sar criticized the March for Israel, which was held Tuesday in Washington, D.C., calling it a "Pro-Genocide March" and saying in a post on X, "This anti-Palestinian march, helped by the US govt, expects to gather a large crowd in support of 75 years of apartheid & occupation." He also accused speakers at the March for Israel of being "racists" and "fake progressives."

[Ptarmigan]

*UPDATE* IDF Discovers ‘Several Stockpiles of Weapons and Munitions’ Inside Shifa Hospital
https://legalinsurrection.com/2023/11/idf-continues-operation-at-gazas-shifa-hospital-bringing-humanitarian-aid-and-medicine/

The IDF has ended the Shifa hospital raid. They did not find hostages, but more weapons and munitions belonging to Hamas inside the hospital.

IDF releases evidence of Hamas weapons found inside Shifa Hospital's MRI center, during the raid by the elite Shaldag unit and other forces of the 36th Division inside the medical center today. pic.twitter.com/HrtzHmpELR

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) November 15, 2023

Several Stockpiles of Weapons and Munitions have been Discovered inside of the MRI Center of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex today in Gaza City, following a Raid by Unit 5101 of the Israeli Air Force also know as the Elite “Shaldag” Unit with support provided by the 36th Armored… pic.twitter.com/TAzvpOdGDM

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) November 15, 2023

Hamas has hidden these weapons in the MRI unit of the #Shifa_Hospital and in its clinics.

See for yourselves. pic.twitter.com/yYtVPGs6DZ

— Ofir Gendelman (@ofirgendelman) November 15, 2023

Hanas weapons have been found inside Shifa Hospital.

[DefiantSix]

...Hamas weapons have been found inside Shifa Hospital.

[Ptarmigan]

TikTok Influencers Encouraging People to Read, Embrace Osama bin Laden’s ‘Letter to America’
https://legalinsurrection.com/2023/11/tiktok-influencers-encouraging-people-to-read-embrace-osama-bin-ladens-letter-to-america/

Moronic TikTok influencers have told their followers to read and embrace Osama bin Laden’s infamous “Letter to America” to promote their anti-Israel and anti-Jew agenda.

It’s so gross. Parents, be active in your child’s life:

Online personality and pro-Palestinian activist Lynette Adkins urged her over 175,000 TikTok followers on Tuesday to read the words of the terrorist mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks.

“I need everyone to stop what they’re doing right now and go read- It’s literally two pages. Go read ‘A Letter to America,” Adkins said the video. “And please come back here and just let me know what you think because I feel like I’m going through, like, an existential crisis right now and a lot of people are, so I just need someone else to be feeling this.”

Her video received roughly 800,000 views and over 80,000 likes on TikTok.

Over the past 24 hours, thousands of TikToks (at least) have been posted where people share how they just read Bin Laden’s infamous "Letter to America," in which he explained why he attacked the United States.

The TikToks are from people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and… pic.twitter.com/EwjiGtFEE3

— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) November 16, 2023

Really disturbing. Some people do not learn.

[Ptarmigan]

Texas parents say teacher singled out Israeli daughter to make pro-Palestinian comment
https://www.foxnews.com/us/texas-parents-say-teacher-singled-out-israeli-daughter-make-pro-palestinian-comment

A concerned parent in Texas said her high school daughter, who is Israeli, was targeted by her teacher, who allegedly made antisemitic comments during a lesson.

Talya Hayoun, a freshman at Dickinson High School in Dickinson, Texas, told FOX 26 Houston that she walked into her English class to find the white board had the popular pro-Palestinian mantra, "No justice, no peace. Justice for Palestine."

Talya, who is Israeli, said the message was not part of a lesson but, believes it was an opportunity for the teacher to share with her students her opinion about the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Talya told FOX 26 that her teacher asked her where she was from.

This is bullying. Typical Third Reich mentality.

[Ptarmigan]

Tanzania Announces Death of National Held Hostage by Hamas in Gaza
https://legalinsurrection.com/2023/11/tanzania-announces-death-of-national-held-hostage-by-hamas-in-gaza/

The Tanzanian Foreign Ministry announced the death of a citizen held hostage by Hamas since October 7.

Clemence Felix Mtenga, 22, was visiting Israel to study agriculture:

Mtenga was in Israel as part of a modern agriculture training program in the Gaza border town of Nir Oz. He and fellow Tanzanian national Joshua Luito Molal have been unaccounted for since the October 7.

The foreign ministry statement does not provide any details regarding Mtenga’s death but says it is in contact with Israeli authorities about bringing his body back to Tanzania for burial.

Clemence Felix Mtenga was taken hostage on October 7, 2023 by Hamas. He has now killed by them. 

[Ptarmigan]

'Shut It Down': Pro-Hamas Agitators Are Planning a Day of Chaos for Black Friday Shoppers
https://redstate.com/terichristoph/2023/11/22/black-friday-shoppers-need-to-be-aware-that-pro-hamas-protestors-are-planning-a-day-of-chaos-n2166709

Black Friday shoppers, you've been warned. A group of well-funded, pro-Hamas, leftist organizations are collaborating to make Friday a day of disruption and chaos for shoppers. All in the name of antisemitism.

According to the group's website, the organizations plan to descend on shopping destinations to further what they see as their "global movement" to "free Palestine":

We must keep building momentum and increase the pressure with more marches, walk-outs, sit-ins, and other forms of direct action directed at the political offices, businesses, and workplaces that fund, invest, and collaborate with Israeli genocide and occupation.

NOW is the time for our mobilizations to grow in size, frequency, and focus; building a political climate that makes Israel’s business of genocide unsustainable.

In all likelihood, they'll succeed only in ticking off a stressed, harried group of shoppers who won't hesitate to give a good throat punch to anyone who gets in between them and a smoking hot deal. Few of these shoppers will have the time or patience to entertain the "from the river to sea" crowd when stock on that heavily discounted, 72-inch TV is running low.

Here's who is behind the plans to "shut it down":

📣 THIS FRIDAY: Are you ready to #ShutItDown4Palestine again?

On Black Friday, 11/24, people around the country will take action to make clear: No business as usual while genocide is taking place!

➡️ Register your action or find one near you at https://t.co/txwMluTiGF pic.twitter.com/uyNEbokT6m

— ANSWER Coalition (@answercoalition) November 22, 2023

Black Friday could be interesting.

[Drafe Hoblin]

The funniest thing I saw yesterday was a video of a motorist pulling-off a black-woman's elaborate wig as she tried to block his/her car, then drove-off waving the wig out the window.

Black Friday's been meaningless for years. 

I notice Japan's finally discovering it, so that about signals the end of the novelty of it.

[Ptarmigan]

EXCLUSIVE: Sen Blackburn calls for investigation into allegation UN agency employee detained Israeli hostage
https://www.foxnews.com/world/exclusive-sen-blackburn-calls-investigation-allegation-un-agency-employee-detained-israeli-hostage

EXCLUSIVE - Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., demanded an investigation into allegations that a controversial United Nations agency's employee detained one of the hostages kidnapped by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

"The United States will not be complicit in propping up Hamas' terrorism, and this report further proves why deep change is necessary within UNRWA before we even consider providing another dollar to the agency," Blackburn wrote in a letter obtained by Fox News Digital and addressed to U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield and United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.

"It is deeply concerning that, despite the prevalence of these reports, the United Nations has seemingly done nothing to investigate or prevent the siphoning of UNRWA funding by terrorists, and UNRWA continues to double down on its claims that each subsequent, documented report is ‘unsubstantiated.’"

Blackburn has requested a response by Dec. 18 that addresses a report from Israeli reporter Almog Boker about a UNRWA employee who allegedly detained a hostage in their house for 50 days and details of any investigation into the report, as well as an explanation of UNRWA's "process for ensuring its facilities are not used to support terrorist activities," among other points.

The UN is the enemy as well.

The UNRWA has faced several allegations, including corruption and directly helping Hamas, as documented in an X community note. Reuters reported on a former headmaster at a UNRWA school who helped build rockets for Islamic Jihad while employed by the agency, as well as posts from several UNRWA teachers and administrators celebrating the Oct. 7 attack.

The agency urged the journalist to provide "immediate clarification" on the claims and that "in the absence of credible information to support this claim, UNRWA requests the journalist immediately delete the post."

[Ptarmigan]

UPenn students’ disturbing dossier exposes sickening antisemitism that left campus in fear: ‘The Jews R Nazis’
https://nypost.com/2023/12/06/news/upenn-students-create-dossier-of-antisemitic-events-on-campus/

The University of Pennsylvania’s motto comes from a quote from Horace, Leges Sine Moribus Vanae — “Laws without morals are in vain.”

But it is a lack of morals, of a willingness to stand up to antisemitism, that has created a “climate of fear” across campus.

Demonstrations headed by “Penn Students Against the Occupation,” recognized as an official club by the university, have left students at the Philadelphia-based Ivy League school worried about whether it is a safe environment for learning.

Incidents on campus have made it a flashpoint in the debate over how far protests can go.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations feature chants calling for “intifada” or uprising, which has also been sprayed as graffiti across campus, alongside “Avenge Gaza.”

Some people do not learn from the past. 

Many alumni have pilloried Penn’s president, Liz Magill, for being slow to condemn Hamas’ terror attack against Israel on Oct. 7 and not getting a handle on the burgeoning crisis. Some disgusted donors have pulled millions in funding.

UPenn representatives refused to answer questions about the controversy, instead referring The Post to comments Magill made during her testimony before Congress on Tuesday.

There, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) asked her if calling for the genocide of Jews violates Penn’s rules or code of conduct, to which Magill replied only that “if the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment.”

When asked the question again, Magill would only add, “It is a context-dependent decision,” while inexplicably smiling.

She also claimed UPenn has assembled a task force to “identify concrete actionable recommendations.” That plan includes hiring an expert who will help the university respond to antisemitism, Islamophobia and other hatred on campus, according to the Philadelphia Enquirer.

[Ptarmigan]

Shots Fired at Albany (NY) Synagogue, Suspect Shouted ‘Free Palestine’
https://legalinsurrection.com/2023/12/shots-fired-at-albany-ny-synagogue-suspect-shouted-free-palestine/

Albany, NY, police detained a 28-year-old man suspected of shooting two rounds outside of Temple Israel right before the beginning of Hanukkah at sundown.

From The New York Daily News:

A 28-year-old man was immediately detained in connection with the shooting, which came hours before the start of Chanukah at sundown.

The suspect told both a bystander and responding officers, “Free Palestine,” according to Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins.

“Make no mistake, the safety of Jewish New Yorkers is non-negotiable,” Gov. Hochul said. “Any act of antisemitism is unacceptable, and undermining public safety at a synagogue on the first night of Chanukah is even more deplorable.”

The staff noticed the armed man outside the building. They immediately placed the building on lockdown, including an early childhood center filled with small children.

Antisemitism is a huge problem these days.

[Ptarmigan]

Penn Trustees Call "Emergency" Meeting After Magill Testimony Meltdown
https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/penn-trustees-call-emergency-meeting-wharton-board-seeks-leadership-change-after-magill

After a smirking Penn president Liz Magill humiliated herself in front of Congress earlier this week, unable to clearly answer whether "calling for the genocide of Jews" violated Penn's code of conduct or constituted bullying or harassment, the University of Pennsylvania’s board of trustees have started the process of panicking.

Perhaps it has something to do with $100 million worth of donations being pulled from the university in one fell swoop, the tip of a spear of outrage made up of numerous other prominent donors, alumni, university staff and generally anyone with half a brain that watched Magill's testimony earlier in the week.

BREAKING: Ross Stevens, CEO of Stone Ridge Asset Management, sent a letter to @Penn telling them that he is withdrawing a $100M donation over President Liz Magill's anti-semitism comments before Congress.

via @axios https://t.co/mjqc4X1yJm pic.twitter.com/hX2QO2G97x

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) December 7, 2023
“Absent a change in leadership and values at Penn in the very near future, I plan to rescind Penn’s Stone Ridge shares to help prevent any further reputational and other damage to Stone Ridge as a result of our relationship with Penn and Liz Magill,” wrote Penn Alum Ross Stevens.

College presidents testify about antisemitism on college campuses and made themselves look like fools.

[Ptarmigan]

Slain Hamas commander’s brothers captured by Israelis — and giving up info on Oct. 7 attack
https://nypost.com/2023/12/12/news/captured-brothers-of-slain-hamas-commander-feeding-info-to-idf-israel/

The brothers of the northern Hamas commander killed by Israel have been captured — and are now feeding information to Israeli authorities, including about the Oct. 7 terrorist attack, officials said Tuesday.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told reporters that Israel is currently interrogating the brothers of  Ahmed Ghandour, the former commander of Hamas’ northern Gaza Brigade who died in an airstrike.

“They are already telling us a large part of the stories of the murders of October 7, among other things,” he said, touting the interrogations as yet another victory in northern Gaza.

Ghandour was among five top Hamas officials confirmed dead last week after Israel investigated a tunnel system that was destroyed by an airstrike last month.

It was the same tunnel Ghandour and his deputy, Wael Rajab, were pictured in while enjoying food and meeting with several other Hamas leaders inside a narrow room months earlier.

The brothers of Ahmed Ghandour have been captured. They are telling Israelis what happened on October 7, 2023.

[Ptarmigan]

Too Late For US Naval Deterrence In Red Sea After Biden Misled World On Houthi Attacks
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/too-late-us-naval-deterrence-red-sea-after-biden-misled-world-houthi-attacks

It has become clear there's a full-blown Houthi war on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Weeks ago, we featured commentary that cited US defense officials who were frustrated that the Pentagon was being held back from responding forcefully against Houthis positions in Yemen by the Biden White House.

President Biden stood accused of "downplaying" the threat, as statements in Politico have underscored, "Some current and former military officials were frustrated by the administration’s initial response to the Houthis’ Sunday attacks on the ships." This as some top military brass pushed for a more forceful response, lest the Iranian proxies grow more emboldened.

But more emboldened is precisely what has happened, as container ships are coming under drone and missile attack on a daily basis at this point, triggering delays and rising prices on goods as major liners avoid Red Sea transit altogether.

Fast-forward to this week, now nearing the end of December and The Wall Street Journal has run an alarming but apt headline this which spells out U.S. Naval Deterrence Is Going, Going, Maybe Even Gone.

Increasingly, Biden's desire to make nice with the Iranians in order to keep global energy prices down ahead of the 2024 election is translating to a posture of 'looking the other way'—and some analysts worry it's too late to reestablish deterrence.

The Houthis have targeted shipping in the Red Sea. It is too late for America to take action.

[Ptarmigan]

Anti-Israel Girl Who Attacked Teenager in IDF Sweatshirt Graduated From Barack Obama School for Social Justice
https://legalinsurrection.com/2024/01/youre-a-whre-free-palestine-anti-israel-protesters-accost-teenage-girl-in-idf-sweatshirt-in-new-jersey/

The chick who lost her mind on a 16-year-old in an IDF sweatshirt graduated from the Barack Obama School for Social Justice.

Not kidding. Palisade Preparatory School in Yonkers, NY, changed its name to the Barack Obama School for Justice at the start of the 2022-23 school year.

UPDATE: the assailant in this video has been identified as Marla Bonilla Hernandez of Yonkers, NY.

She is a graduate of the Barack Obama School for Social Justice. https://t.co/V95a93moOt pic.twitter.com/jhDVSxsVy5

— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) January 3, 2024

Wokeness is overrun with antisemitism.

[Ptarmigan]

Report: Hezbollah Terror Tunnel Network Far ‘Bigger’ and ‘Sophisticated’ Than Hamas’s Network
https://legalinsurrection.com/2024/01/report-hezbollah-terror-tunnel-network-far-bigger-and-sophisticated-than-hamass-network-2/

A day after an alleged Israeli drone strike eliminated Hamas’s second-in-command and a key planner of the October 7 massacre, Saleh al-Arouri, operating out of a Hezbollah stronghold in Lebanon, the Iran-backed terrorist group has escalated its terrorist attacks along Israel’s northern border.

“Anti-tank fire from Lebanese territory slightly wounded two Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers at a military post near the border, following an alleged Israeli targeted strike on senior Hamas officials in Lebanon,” the Israeli TV channel i24NEWS reported. “There were also at least three attacks on U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria revealed Tuesday night.”

#Watch: Hezbollah launched an ATGM attacks the Israeli town of Shlomi, northern Israel pic.twitter.com/0SNzSH0Q28

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) January 3, 2024

Hezbollah, an even better funded terrorist group than Hamas, poses an even greater threat to Israel. While IDF soldiers and combat engineers risk their lives dismantling Hamas’s vast tunnel network spread across Gaza, Israel faces a much more significant challenge in the north, where the Iran-backed Hezbollah has created more extensive and far more advanced tunnel systems. Hezbollah’s terror tunnel network, financed by Iran, is larger and more sophisticated than what Hamas has managed to create at the cost of billions of dollars in Gaza.

The IDF says it struck a Hezbollah cell in southern Lebanon, and a fighter jet hit a site belonging to the terror group.

The airstrike comes amid repeated cross-border attacks carried out by Hezbollah.

The IDF says several missiles were fired from Lebanon at northern Israel in… pic.twitter.com/HEohCtRvve

— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) January 3, 2024

Hezbollah, estimated to be the world’s biggest terrorist organization, has spent nearly two decades tunneling along Israel’s northern border. The underground web of terror tunnels in Lebanon is even bigger than Hamas’s ‘Gaza metro’, which is estimated to be over 300-miles-long. This subterranean network of tunnel shafts, command centers, and weapons depots has been financed by the Iranian regime and built by North Korean mining companies.

Hezbollah's tunnel network is even more vast than Hamas. They had Iran and North Korea help build them.

[Ptarmigan]

Gaza War Expands As US, UK Warplanes Bomb Houthi Strongholds In Yemen
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/houthis-vow-expanded-attacks-us-navy-bigger-tuesdays-barrage

Update(1840): Reuters and VOA are reporting that US and UK warplanes have begin striking Houthi targets in Yemen, in what marks the first major regional expansion of the Gaza war. According to Politico:

The U.S. and U.K, with support from Australia, the Netherlands, Bahrain, and Canada, conducted joint strikes tonight against Houthi targets in Yemen, per DOD official. Strikes involved U.S. aircraft, ships and submarines.

The Telegraph has also reported British fighters and ships are participating in the military action against the Houthis. There are incoming reports of large airstrikes in major Yemeni cities. Unverified videos have begun coming in via social media. The below video is unconfirmed at this early stage:

WATCH: U.S. and Britain carrying out airstrikes in Yemen pic.twitter.com/FrgFnMNvEy

— BNO News (@BNONews) January 12, 2024
One Mideast correspondent remarks that "we have gone from US prioritizing an end to war in Yemen to US getting involved against rebels in control of Yemen. Regional ramifications of both Yemen and Gaza wars on full display, with heavy toll on trade, maritime navigation."

Al Arabiya has reported that there are “Violent air strikes on the vicinity of Hodeidah city” and Sanaa has also been bombed.

American and British military appears to be attacking Houthis in Yemen.

[Ptarmigan]

Harvard To Host Summer Program At Palestinian University Dominated By Hamas
https://www.dailywire.com/news/harvard-to-host-summer-program-at-palestinian-university-dominated-by-hamas

Harvard University will host a summer program where students will be briefed on “settler colonialism” at a Palestinian university that called for “glory to martyrs” after the October 7 terrorist massacre in Israel and has a student body that overwhelmingly elected a Hamas-affiliated bloc to run its student government.

The embattled Ivy League institution’s “Palestine Social Medicine Course” will send Harvard students to Birzeit University in the West Bank, according to the program’s website. It explains that the “three-week intensive summer course is designed to introduce students to the social, structural, political, and historical aspects that determine Palestinian health beyond the biological basis of disease.”

Harvard faces mounting criticism for its response to blatant anti-Semitism on its campus since the Hamas terrorist attack. Several Harvard students told The Daily Wire they were concerned about their school’s relationship with Birzeit University, given its history and alignment with terrorist groups.

The curriculum content will include hearing from health practitioners, academics, and activists about various topics including “Settler colonialism and its manifestations in Palestine” and “Health and racism,” the website adds.

Anti-semitism abounds at Harvard.

Birzeit University’s student population voted overwhelmingly for a Hamas-affiliated bloc in its student government elections for a second year in a row in May. The Islamic Bloc won 25 of the 51 seats with 4,481 votes in the race that had a 77% voter turnout, according to the Jerusalem Post. The Bloc said its victory proves students favor “the option of resistance” against Israel, and disapprove of the Palestinian Authority’s policies.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh praised the victory and spoke to participants at its celebrations over the phone, claiming the victory shows Hamas is “unbreakable” in the West Bank, Middle East Monitor reported.

The campus elections are closely watched as a peek into the political leanings of Palestinians in the West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority has not held national elections since 2006.

The student government president, Abdulmajid Hassan, and seven other students were arrested by the Israel Defense Forces during a raid in September, according to the university. The group is accused of planning a terror attack to which some of the suspects confessed, according to the Times of Israel.

Birzeit University bans Jews.

Birzeit University had an official policy banning Israeli Jews from being on campus, which came to light in 2014 when a left-wing reporter for Haaretz was removed from a conference. It is unclear if this policy is still in place.

“She and her colleagues were afraid, she told me, that students would break into the conference hall in protest over my presence,” Amira Haas wrote, recounting the incident. “Palestinian citizens of Israel who teach at Israeli universities are not subject to the same policy.”

[Ptarmigan]

Saudi Tankers Given Passage Through Red Sea By Houthis, Alongside Russia & China
https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/saudi-vessels-being-given-passage-though-red-sea-houthis-joining-russia-china

China and Russia aren't the only countries being given a "pass" from Yemen's Houthi rebels, but Saudi Arabia is also exporting crude oil through the Red Sea as if in perfectly normal times (well, almost).

At a moment that especially Western and any and all Israeli-linked vessels are being targeted by rocket and drone attacks out of Yemen, the head of Aramco’s refining, oil trading and marketing division Mohammed Al Qahtani has confirmed to Bloomberg, "We’re moving in the Red Sea with our oil and products cargoes." He added that the risks remain "manageable".

As we've been chronicling, a who's who of major tanker and container shipping companies have halted their Red Sea transit, instead opting for the much longer journey around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. This typically adds some $1 million to the total transport bill for a tanker, LSEG Shipping Research data shows.

Bloomberg's analysis shows that even at this very moment in which US warships are coming under fire, Saudi transit through the vital waterway is alive and well:

In the first half of January, Aramco shipped as much crude from its Red Sea terminal at Yanbu northwards toward Europe as it did in the whole of the previous month, vessel tracking data compiled by Bloomberg show.

“That is also giving us huge access and optionality,” Qahtani said. “We are assessing that almost on a daily basis.”

Still, like the rest of the industry, Aramco is having to deal with fewer vessels willing to travel into the Red Sea and higher insurance costs for doing so.

The Houthis are allowing, China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia ships through.

[Ptarmigan]

Three U.S. Servicemen Killed In Iranian-Backed Militia Drone Attack In Jordan
https://legalinsurrection.com/2024/01/three-u-s-servicemen-killed-in-iranian-backed-militia-drone-attack-in-jordan/

This is ‘breaking news’ and we will add to this post as more information is known.

The Biden administration has announced that three U.S. servicemen were killed at a U.S.base in Jordan in a ‘suicide drone’ attack from Iranian-backed militias.

Full statement: pic.twitter.com/b4ttzgxvUK

— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) January 28, 2024

3 US service members were killed, 25 injured by a drone attack in northeast Jordan, near the Syrian border per CENTCOM pic.twitter.com/KwpNF4bJkx

— Margaret Brennan (@margbrennan) January 28, 2024

Three American soldiers have been killed in Jordan from an attack drone.

[Ptarmigan]

US failed to stop deadly drone attack due to identification mixup: Report
https://justthenews.com/government/security/us-failed-stop-deadly-drone-attack-due-identification-mixup-report

The United States military failed to stop a deadly attack on its service members in Jordan because the drone approached the base at the same time a U.S. drone was also returning to the area, American officials said Monday.

There was some confusion on the base when the U.S. drone returned about whether the other incoming drone was friendly or not, officials said, according to The Wall Street Journal.

President Joe Biden on Sunday blamed Iran-backed militant groups for the attack that killed three U.S. Army troops in Jordan and wounded more than two dozen others.

However, a U.S. defense official told the paper that the U.S. has not yet found evidence showing that Iran directed the attack.

Looks more like this could of been avoided.

[Ptarmigan]

White House Spox Called Out For Odd Condolence Statement: 3 US Troops Died Fighting For 'This Administration'
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/white-house-says-significant-military-response-coming-iran-denies-involvement-us-troop

Update(1908ET): Public outrage and massive pushback has ensued after in a Monday interview White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre asserted that the three US troops killed by the drone strike in Jordan had died "fighting on behalf of this administration"...that is Biden, rather than America.

"Our deepest, obviously our deepest condolences go out, and our heartfelt condolences go out to the families who lost, uh, three, three brave, uh, three brave, uh, three brave, three folks who are military folks, who are brave, who are always fighting, who are fighting on behalf of, uh, this administration...," Jean-Pierre told MSNBC’s "Morning Joe". She had in the moment tried to quickly correct by adding after "administration"... the words "of the American people, obviously more so, more importantly." Still, it reveals the apparent thinking and approach of this administration. Watch:

Karine Jean-Pierre gives condolences to "three folks who are military folks who are brave who are always fighting, who were fighting on behalf of this administration..." pic.twitter.com/b5ka9hMjR2

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 29, 2024

Here are the soldiers who got killed.


Sgt. William Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Spc. Brianna Moffatt, 23, of Savannah.

The three soldiers who gave their lives are simply and casually "folks" - as referenced in the interview. Also, we don't even really have to point this out, but one can only imagine the rage and chaos if the Trump administration had ever claimed that fallen Americans had died for his administration.

Jeremy Redfern, press secretary for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, was one among many who slammed her statements as "disgusting". He tweeted, "Say what you will about this word salad, but the idea that anyone in the military is fighting on behalf of any administration is precisely what is wrong with the DC ruling class."

Below are the identifies of the three Americans who tragically lost their lives, who were all serving in the same Army unit based out of Georgia: Sgt. William Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Spc. Brianna Moffatt, 23, of Savannah.

So, they got killed for Joe Biden Administration. So callous.

[Ptarmigan]

Parents of fallen soldier remember daughter killed in drone strike: 'I just miss her'
https://www.foxnews.com/media/parents-fallen-soldier-remember-daughter-killed-drone-strike-awaiting-call-biden

The parents of one of the U.S. soldiers killed in a drone strike in Jordan spoke out Tuesday morning about the loss of their daughter, who was tragically killed alongside two of her fellow soldiers in Jordan.

Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders of Waycross, Ga., was killed alongside 23-year-old Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett and 46-year-old Sgt. William Jerome Rivers during the drone attack near the Syrian border over the weekend.

Kennedy's parents, Oneida and Shawn Sanders joined "Fox & Friends" to discuss the unexpected loss and how they want America to respond to the deadly attack that took their daughter's life.

"As a grieving parent, I would not want to see any other parent go through what we're going through right now, but given the circumstances, our child and the others who lost their lives are considered heroes in this situation," Oneida said. "However, the President of the United States decides to respond, it won't change our situation at all."

The families have not heard from President Joe Biden.

Oneida mentioned that the family had already been in contact with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and various lawmakers.

"I have heard from some other government officials," Oneida said. "Also, the governor of Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp, has put in a call to us. Some of our congressmen who represent our area have called us.

She mentioned the pair needed to complete paperwork before speaking with President Biden, but since the interview aired, White House national security spokesman John Kirby confirmed Biden had spoken to each of the families directly.

It was John Kirby who talked to them.